FRANK B. SEEPERSAD MEMORIAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

In recognition of the valuable service rendered by Frank Balliram Seepersad, late founder and General Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers' Association (TTUTA), the Central Executive of TTUTA, in 1991, decided to establish the Frank B. Seepersad Memorial Award.

Frank B. Seepersad rendered outstanding service to TTUTA. He was one of the key actors in the move for unification of teachers in Trinidad and Tobago under the umbrella of one trade union, TTUTA. It was the historic meeting called by Seepersad at the Mt. Hope Junior Secondary School in March 1979 that was the fillip for the move towards the formation of the Committee for the Unification of Teachers (COMFUT). His tireless and undaunted efforts led to the recognition of TTUTA as the majority union for teachers in Trinidad and Tobago. His core belief was that "it is only when teachers act as one corporate body that teaching will begin to enjoy any degree of status."

Even after TTUTA was fully established, Seepersad worked arduously together with the other National Officers of TTUTA to keep the Association firmly rooted nationally and respected regionally and internationally.

Frank B. Seepersad died on November 1988. He is still remembered as a true and dedicated servant of TTUTA who sacrificed much for the advancement of the Association.

The Frank B. Seepersad Teacher of the Year Award was established as an annual award which is presented to the teacher who has given outstanding and dedicated service towards the growth and development of the Association and for their contribution in the following areas: Education, Sports, Culture, Community Service and /or recognition for service nationally, regionally, internationally.

The first award was presented at the 13th Anniversary Celebrations of TTUTA in April 1992. The awardee on that occasion was Mr. Alan Simpson.